Only 5 days postpartum ✨
My water broke Valentine’s Day night with minimal contractions, so we headed to the hospital and I was at 3cm.
I wanted to try for a vbac so badly so I labored as long as I could on Pitocin. 12hrs went by and I finally got an epidural and then things progressed really fast.
I went from a 5 to a 10 within 45 mins and was ready to push, my baby’s heart rate dropped significantly for awhile and I didn’t want to risk anything happening, so they started prep me for a c section. I was disappointed that I didn’t get my vbac but was so ready to meet my second baby girl and get her out safely.
My recovery in the hospital went well until 4 days later, when I got home. My feet and legs started to swell, and that’s when I started feeling really off. I checked my blood pressure, and it was elevated but nothing crazy. By the next morning, I was pretty puffy and my blood pressure was up even more. I decided to call my OB office and they told me to go to the ER immediately. I went in with my blood pressure being 185/90, and I freaked out. Thinking that I’ve heard of postpartum eclampsia but please, not me. I JUST got home and thinking about returning back to the hospital, noway.
I was at the ER for a couple hours and they decided to give me bp medication to help, which started to work about 30 mins later. Thankfully, I got discharged and got to go back home later that day.
But unfortunately, I was allergic to that medication and broke out in hives a couple hours later, after returning home. I was itching for the next couple days, because I was more concerned about fixing my blood pressure. The hives started to fill my whole body by day 3, so I called my OB and she told me to stop the medication.
Finally, my swelling and blood pressure was lowering itself that I could do without it but I was left itching for the next two weeks and nothing helped😭.
By 4 week’s postpartum things finally started to look up and I was feeling slightly back to normal and so thankful for that🙏🏻.
I’m now 10 weeks postpartum and am so thankful to just have my health back and to start getting into a regular routine with my 2 girls! I know this could’ve gone way more south but so thankful it didn’t and we all ended
up being healthy in the end🤍
If you made it this far, thanks for reading & letting me share!
#postpartumrecovery #Lemon8Diary #csection #birthstories #embracevulnerability
Navigating postpartum recovery can be overwhelming, especially for new moms facing unexpected challenges. Many women desire a VBAC, but circumstances can lead to C-sections, as in my case. Understanding the risks of high blood pressure postpartum, including postpartum eclampsia, is crucial for new mothers. It's not uncommon to experience swelling and elevated blood pressure following delivery, which can lead to anxiety and further medical complications. If you experience persistent symptoms, always consult your healthcare provider. It’s essential to take care of both mental and physical health during this time. Managers and caregivers can also support mothers by providing emotional support, understanding the pressures they face, and facilitating open discussions about postpartum realities. Remember, each journey is unique, and it’s okay to seek help and share your experiences with others who understand. Together, we can build a supportive community for postpartum recovery.
I had a C-section for my second baby because he didn't turn, and the recovery was tough for both of us. I really appreciate you sharing your story.